William "Rusty" Swift

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of William “Rusty” Carlton Swift on March 21, 2025. He was 70 years old.

He was born to the late Curtis G. Swift and Rita (Honan) Swift on October 7, 1954, in Chester, Pa., where he lived until his family moved to the Timbers in North Wilmington, Del., in 1965. Their multi-generational home at 10 Magnolia Court was the nucleus of his family in childhood and beyond, and held so many treasured memories.

After graduating from Concord High School, he studied at the University of Delaware, earning a bachelor’s degree in plant science. It was there he met his match, Lisa Richardson—the ebb to his flow and his partner on the carousel of life. They were married in 1983 and together, built a life full of joy, love, faith, and togetherness with their four daughters—Erin, Carolyn, Sara and Elizabeth.

A family man, through and through, Rusty was a steadfast companion to his wife; a rock to his four daughters; a lively and playful Da to his five grandchildren (Reid, Kai, Graham, Max, and Cora); a confidant and peacemaker to his four siblings (Linda, Pam, Denise, and Drew); a fun-loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews; a devoted son to his father Curt; and the apple of his mother Rita’s eye.

A gardener by trade, he not only prided himself in the design aspect of his work, but also in the relationships he built. Many of his clients became near and dear friends, and some employed him for more than 20 years.

He loved to be on the beach—swimming in the ocean, playing bocce, drinking a beer, and bringing down an excessive amount of toys and tools for his grandchildren, in true Cecil County style. He was fortunate to live out the last few years of his life in retirement with his wife, being beach bums in Oak Island, NC.

When not at the beach, he spent most of his time in his gardens. Anyone who knows him most likely remembers him with a hose in hand and a smile on his face. He made everything he touched more beautiful.

Through all the stages of his life, it was rare to see Rusty without a child hanging on him—especially once he became a grandfather. He was the most natural grandparent, connecting with each of his five grandchildren with ease. Whether he was tossing a ball with them, exploring in the woods, or simply running errands, he was ever-present, ever-attentive, and ever-comforting—just as he was with his own children.

Rusty was full of life—the type of person who instantly made you feel good. He was always ready with a quip, a joke and a helping hand. He was someone you could count on in your time of need—a doer, a feeler, a safe place to land. To know Rusty was to love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Linda Phillips, his brother Drew Swift, and his stepmother Dorothy Swift.

He is survived by his wife Lisa; his daughters: Erin Swift and her partner Joseph, Carolyn Lasako and her husband Gary, Sara Swift, and Elizabeth Swift; his five grandchildren: Reid Lasako, Kai Cox, Graham Lasako, Max Lasako, and Cora Cox; his sisters: Pamela Swift and Denise DellaVecchia and her husband Dennis; his cousin: Wayne Chechila and his wife Carol; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church in Elkton, Md., on April 5 at 11 a.m. A reception will follow at The Anchorage, 5667 Augustine Herman Hwy, Earleville, MD, 21919.

The family has suggested placing the Flower order locally at

www.fairhillflorist.comFair Hill Florist

400 E Pulaski Hwy, Elkton, MD 21921

(410) 398-9088